Thanksgiving is a peak day for cooking fires, Red Cross warns follow these tips to prevent catastrophe
Don’t be a turkey.Cooking fires can become three times more likely than the daily average on Thanksgiving Day, according to the National Fire Protection Association.“Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, home fire injuries,” said American Red Cross regional disaster officer Jonathan Seibert.
“Most happen because people leave cooking food unattended.We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable holiday, so please don’t leave the kitchen while you’re cooking.”The Red Cross strongly urges home chefs to always stay in the kitchen or cooking area with something on the stove, fryer, or oven.
If you have to step away, turn off your heating source.The NFPA reported that unattended cooking is “by far” the leading cause of fire deaths.Additionally, the Red Cross recommends not wearing dangling clothes and to keep children and pets at least three feet from where you are cooking.It’s important to store away potholders, oven mitts, and wooden utensils too as you cook, as they could catch fire.
Other items like food bags — paper or plastic — along with food packaging, towels, or curtains can also easily cause a blaze.The NFPA also warns that loose items on a floor, like toys, bags, or trash, can even start a fire if tripped over around heating sources.Keeping cooking surfaces clean and free of grease is another essential step, as is double-checking everything is shut off at the end of the evening once dessert is served.The organization warns that keeping an active smoke alarm in the kitchen and testing it before big meals is also key.
Firefighters suggest changing batteries twice a year on daylight savings with the clocks in your home to ensure the smoke alarms will work when needed.The NFPA classifies turkey fryers using cooking oil as “not safe.”“These fryers use large amounts of oil at high temperatures, which can cause devastating burns,” the organization warns.“If you want a fried turkey for your Thanksgiving meal, purchase it from...